Scripture: Amos (NIV) 3:1. Hear this word, people of Israel, the word of the LORD has spoken against you—against the whole family I brought up out of Egypt.
2 You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your sins.
Observation: For the other nations, God would punish them for three or four sins. (See chapters 1 and 2) However with those God brought out of Egypt it will be different. God will hold Israel to a higher standard. To them He gave The Law. To them He sent the prophets. Their history consisted of God’s dealings. God gave them more and He expected more. God will not punish Israel for only three or four sins, but for all their sins.

With Israel, God had a history, but more importantly, God had a future. It was through Israel that Jesus would come. If the other nations disappeared nothing would change. If Israel disappeared, then the channel for fulfilling prophecy would be gone, there would be no atonement for sin, and all would be lost.
Application: When God holds me to a higher standard, it is not only because God and I have a history; we have a future! That God still holds me accountable for sins is proof that He is not finished with me. He does not want my present to mar my future.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving me enough to correct me in preparation for the amazing future you have for me. Amen
Pastor LeonMaking friends for time and eternity!